2024 NVP & Parts Expo Part 2
Louisville, Kentucky - January 20-21, 2024
Universally acknowledged by the vendors and dealers in attendance as an excellent show, the Drag Specialities and Parts Unlimited 2024 NVP Product Expo at Louisville, Kentucky, in January proved to be a great 'season-starter' for Drag vendors who were there.
At a time when even the customary uncertainties of the annual business cycle are themselves uncertain, it left all concerned a lot more optimistic about the business landscape for the year than might otherwise have been the case.
As beautifully well planned and executed as always, with a new 'variation on a theme' of high speed but still intense distributor 'Rep Training' getting everyone's vote as a good new formula.
Some seventy plus V-twin specialist vendors and brands and a whole slew of cross-over business opportunities kept the attending dealers busy and hopeful that 2024 will be a year when, to channel Fred Fox, "everyone will get to go to the bank happy" ...
BS Battery: The French battery and charger specialist distributes exclusively through Drag Specialties and Parts Unlimited in USA. "Charging smart, charging safe!" - its BK20 is a versatile 3-in-1 tool that is ideal for factory-activated batteries, especially lithiums that require a specific charger; www.bs-battery.com
Alloy Art: Robbie Lane's Bagger racing investments continue apace. Alloy Art Bagger products include a reduced weight race stem in nickel plated chromemoly for the 2014 and up H-D touring frame; 2014-2024 'Spreading Eagle' chain tension reliever; low profile 2014 and up M-8 comp cam cover that helps create increased ground clearance; 'Boom Box' max. volume M-8 air cleaner kits and 2009 and up weight-reducing, improved stiffness Gen II complete Bagger rear subframe; www.alloyart.com
Cometic Gasket: The Concord, Ohio based specialist's M-8 MLX head gaskets are "precision-crafted to withstand the rigorous demands of M-8 engines, effectively sealing the combustion chambers, cylinder heads and other critical components." Precision-made with meticulous quality control, Cometic says that it uses top quality materials for these gaskets and that it "engineers them to perfection, ensuring an unparalleled seal that offers unrivaled protection." They have a compressed thickness of .032" with a round bore shape and are offered in 3.937", 4.250", 4.320", 4.430" and 4.500" sizes. Featuring a three-layer design, these MLX (Multi-Layer-Xtreme as opposed to its MLS Multi- Layered-Steel) gaskets have been developed for high cylinder pressure applications, high compression, turbo, supercharger and nitrous applications. They feature a center stopper layer with bore edges that fold over itself, simulating an O-ringed head; www.cometic.com
Rekluse Motor Sports: The innovative Boise, Idaho clutch manufacturer was originally best known for its off-road automatic clutches, but those not yet familiar with its fast growing Harley program never fail to be surprised by what the Rekluse brand has to offer for the V-twin dealer - from RadiusX auto clutches and TorqDrive manual clutches to Radius CX, CoreEXP and CoreManual TorqDrives for Sportsters - plus M-8 clutch baskets and manual slave cylinders; www.rekluse.com
Bagger Racing League (BRL): For the first time ever, in 2024 the BRL's four double-header race schedule includes an international round - in Canada. Round 1 - May 24-26, Motorsport Park, Hastings, NE; Round 2 - June 28-30, Gingerman Raceway, MI; Round 3 - August 9-11, Canadian Tire Motorsport Park, ON; Round 4 - Finals November 16-17, Willow Springs International Raceway, California. New classes this year will include the SUPER STREET and LIQUID TWINS - in addition to the Bagger GP (premier class), Pro Stock Bagger, Air-cooled Twins and American Twins Unlimited (ATU) - the BRL's 'Run What You Bring' class. SUPER STREET is a new entry level class any riders who want to build a Performance Bagger and test their skills on the track; www.baggerracingleague.com
Trask Performance: With three consecutive Bagger Racing League championships in the back pocket and its award-winning turbo charger on Gary Chip's FBI Drag Specialties 'FatBook' cover bike for 2024, times are good for the Phoenix, Arizona based 'Palace of Performance'. Expect a major 'ASSAULT' (geddit?) on further racing laurels in 2024; www.traskperformance.com
TecMate: TecMate has been exclusive with Parts Unlimited & Drag Specialties in the USA since 2015. TecMate also manufactures the co-branded Moose Utilities Division, Moose Racing and Drag Specialties OptiMate battery chargers sold through Parts Unlimited & Drag Specialties, Parts Europe and Parts Canada. Says Martin Human CEO of TecMate: "We enjoy working with Le Mans Corporation as our exclusive powersport aftermarket distributor in the USA. Supporting their Louisville NVP expo is a 'no brainer' and beneficial to both"; www.tecmate.com
Motion Pro: Based near Sacramento, the California based cables, controls and tools specialist was founded in 1984 by six-day ISDT Gold Medalist Chris Carter. A long-term Official Tools and Cables contingency partner of Progressive AFT, "from top tier racers to casual weekend riders, Motion Pro products are designed to help keep your customers riding and limit garage downtime;" www.motionpro.com